BRACEBRIDGE, ON – A promotion for downtown Bracebridge businesses started in the 1980s has become a long-standing tradition.
The organizer for Midnight Madness, Tracy Larkman, is not sure exactly how old the event is but it is certainly big on the annual calendar of events.
“So this event is actually our longest-standing event,” said the admin coordinator of the Business Improvement Area for the town. “We’re over 35 years. It started in the ’80s as a sales event and the merchants invited some people down to do some late night shopping.”
Hundreds of people crowd onto Manitoba Street which is shut down for the night. Street performers, musical acts, food vendors and kids play zone give people plenty to see and do.
One of the vendors selling lemonade on the night is the triplet sisters Lila, Sadie and Violet Kane. They have been a hit on the citrus drink circuit this summer with their Kane Kids Lemonade stand raising money for charity.
“We are doing this because it is fun and there are charities we like to donate to,” said Lila Kane.
A portion of proceeds from each $5 cup goes to the chosen charities of the Trio. Lila supports Muskoka Women’s Shelters and Services, Sadie chose the Muskoka Animal Rescue and Violet donates to Hospice Muskoka.
The Kids Zone tends to be a big hit with a variety of inflatables and games for children to play on, with a $5 cost.
“We have a ton of inflatables that come into Memorial Park,” said Larkman. “It’s a very affordable night for the kids to get out and have a good time.”
There are two bands that will be entertaining on the night with Wendy Whelan and the Rubber Band and the Tobin Spring band.
It all kicks off Friday night at 6:00pm and goes until midnight. Manitoba Street shuts down for setup starting in the late afternoon.
